West Virginia Democrat. [volume] (Charles Town, W. Va.) 1885-1890, 1887-07-01
West Virginia Democrat.
Edmund Burke has said;

"A political party is q body of
men united for promoting, by their
Joint endeavors, the National inter
ests upon some particular principle
in which they are all agreed.
a party is neither an end in itself
nor a combination to promote inter
ests OF its own which are distinct
from the interests of the body of the
people. 1t is not an organization
based on patronage or for securing
offices. 1t must stand on principles.
Mr.. Carlisle has declared:
A political party can be of no use
in any country unless it has princi-
piles upon which, it is ready to stake
its existence.
a party is not body gathered
around a chieftain, but around
principle as to which all are agreed
and to which every adherent must
be faithful In other words, party
is free, natural, and honorable I'M
ion of efforts and influence for serv-
ing the country.
This view of parties and party
action makes them honorable, iden-
titles them with the public interests,
appeals to patriotism and sense of
duty, and involves no compromise of
conscience or of a manly self-respect
on the part Of their members. 1t
makes it plain that the proper sphere
and activity of a party is in the re-
gion of principle, political thought,
discussing, expressing the senti
ments, and interests Of the people,
and bringing into office those, and
those only, who will make the laws
the people demand and execute the
policy which they have approved.
1t is obvious that, for leaders of
parties, there are required, not
shrewd manipulators, not adroit
evaders of great issues, not cum
ming, constituencies facility in bar
tering with political opponents and
suppressing Independent thought,
busy Intermediates with the prima-
ries, not facile, plausible dema-
gogues, but men of open integrity of
purpose, of broad knowledge of pub
lie opinion, of sound, candid iudg-
ment, and a patriotic and statesman
like conception of the public honor
and public interests. A party thus
led, faithful to its principles, and
putting good men in nomination,
would develope to the utmost what
ever patriotic sentiment and cOur-
age can come from the kindling en-
thusiasm born of vast numbers work
ing together for common and noble
end.
The utility of a party depends on
three things; Il thetendency of its
principles to advance the welfare of
the whole people, (2) the faithful
support of these principles by the
party itself, and (3), the nomination
of the most worthy men for the office.
The supreme need of the hour is
not for 4 new party, but to make
the old parties open their eyes TO
truth and to duty. The way to
bring about q reform within a party
is for those having the courage to
speak plainly and honestly of what
it does and what it ought to do
The nearer to ruin the party is, the
more fiereely will it resent such
truth.-Nor. Am. Rerier.
Let thoughtful Democrats COM
pare the above views with the meth
ods employed by those who, in West
Virginia, have dominated our party.
Let thoughtful Democrats reflect
how we have been yilifed and mis-
represented because, and only be-
canse. these columns could not be
hired 80 argue contrary to our intel
ligent convictions.
We intend to publish a list of
West Virginiaus holding Federal
office under our present politicians,
and the people will Judge whether
they were appointed with 4 view to
the public service or with view to
promote the reflections of Senators
and congressman.
"
SPECIMEN RING ORGANS.